International Students Embark on a Field Study in Bozhou, Anhui
On May 14, 2023, international students from our institute traveled to Bozhou, Anhui, for a field study titled "Perceiving China—Decoding the Cultural DNA of Bozhou." In the afternoon, the students engaged in a discussion with representatives from Gujing Group. Attendees included Li Peihui, Deputy Party Secretary and President of Anhui Gujing Group Co., Ltd., Zhu Jiafeng, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Jiang Han, General Manager of the Group Purchase Division of Gujing Shanghai Regional Company, and Zhang Gexing, Party Committee Member and Vice President of the institute.
Following the speeches, the students interacted with Gujing Group representatives, discussing topics such as corporate differentiation strategies, corporate social responsibility in the liquor industry, technological applications in distillation, and government support for cultural heritage preservation.
Before the discussion, the students visited the Gujing Wuji Cellar. The name "Wuji" carries dual meanings: it refers to the "Wuji water" sourced from mineral-rich underground springs used in brewing Gujing Gong Jiu, and it pays homage to the Taoist philosophy of "boundlessness" from the Dao De Jing. In the cellar's underground third level, cutting-edge holographic technology recreated the vibrant scenes of Huaxilou, blending architectural artistry with digital aesthetics. This space showcased Gujing's cultural roots and innovative spirit.
Additionally, the students witnessed an ongoing industrial revolution. While preserving ancient brewing techniques, Gujing Gong Jiu is actively pursuing digital transformation. The newly operational No. 4 and No. 5 intelligent workshops left the students in awe. Robotic arms, smart sensors, and digital management systems seamlessly integrated to automate the entire production process, from raw materials to liquor. According to the guide, "Production instructions are directly transmitted to equipment via the platform, increasing per capita efficiency tenfold compared to traditional workshops."
"Gujing Gong Jiu seamlessly merges traditional culture with modern technology, setting an exemplary model for traditional enterprises undergoing transformation," said Su Meng from the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Madagascar. From the Wuji Cellar to the smart workshops, Gujing Gong Jiu demonstrated a visionary approach to integrating cultural heritage with technological innovation. As Ren Di from the Algerian Ministry of Finance remarked, "This is the most impressive company I've seen. It shows the limitless possibilities for traditional industries to break new ground."
Over the next two days, the students will visit Gujing Health Technology Company, the Liquor Culture Museum, and the Bozhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Market. Through case studies, discussions, corporate visits, and cultural activities, they will gain a vivid understanding of Bozhou's liquor industry and TCM culture, explore historical heritage sites, and observe firsthand the achievements of integrating traditional industries with modern development in China. This will provide them with deeper insights into the Chinese approach to transforming and upgrading traditional industries.
